Deuteronomy 4:28

Authorized King James Version

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּם
H5647
And there ye shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#2
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֖ה
H4639
the work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#5
יְדֵ֣י
H3027
hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
אָדָ֑ם
H120
of men's
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#7
עֵ֣ץ
H6086
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#8
וָאֶ֔בֶן
H68
and stone
a stone
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יִרְאוּן֙
H7200
which neither see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יִשְׁמְע֔וּן
H8085
nor hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יֹֽאכְל֖וּן
H398
nor eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#16
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יְרִיחֻֽן׃
H7306
nor smell
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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